Multipurpose Storage and Organizing Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus includes a semi-rigid frame that is substantially thin and planar, and a holding strap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus is mountable to a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane table tray, and is useful for holding items for use on trips, and/or for holding waste.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 61/404,348, filed on Oct. 4, 2010, and 61/401,792,filed on Aug. 20, 2010, the disclosures of which are incorporated hereinin their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a multipurpose storage and organizingapparatus. Specifically, the present invention includes a semi-rigidframe that is substantially thin and planar, and an elastic holdingstrap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus may be mountedto a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane tabletray.

BACKGROUND

It is, of course, generally known for travelers of airplanes, buses,cars or other like vehicles, to travel with items that may be utilizedduring the travel. For example, airline passengers often find themselvessitting in one position for many hours, with limited resources to occupythe time. Thus, it is typical for travelers to seek to stow, invehicles, items that may be utilized during the trip, such as food,drink, games, books, electronic devices, makeup, tissue, toys, and otherlike items. Numerous devices, systems and methods have been tried totemporarily retain such items, but with significant disadvantages.

For example, placing an object directly on the front floor of a vehicleis unacceptable because a user of the object may find it difficult toreach the object, especially while wedged into a typical airline seat.Placing the objects on the floor reduces the available foot space, tendsto move when the vehicle moves, and may be subjected to dirt, moistureand pathogens that may be present in the vehicle.

Moreover, disposing of waste during a long trip may be difficult. Forexample, waste that may be generated during a flight, such as foodwrappers, tissues and other like objects, are typically placed on thefloor or in the seat pocket, or otherwise may simply be placed on theseat or the tray table until a flight attendant comes around with awaste receptacle. This may be unsanitary and unsightly. Placing thewaste on the floor may cause the waste to spill if kicked, contributingto the spread of pathogens and the like. If in an automobile, driversand occupants may be tempted to utilize the rear floor of the vehicle,which may impose the same space, aesthetic and sanitary problems forrear seat occupants while further complicating the accessibilityproblems for front seat occupants.

In addition, many travelers travel with bags or other holders for theirgoods, and in many cases wish to retain documents and other importanttravel papers in particular locations that may reduce theft oraccidental loss of the papers. In many cases, bags may be worn close tothe bodies of the travelers, such as on belts or around the necks of thetravelers.

A need, therefore, exists for a multipurpose storage and organizingapparatus that may be secured, via one or more elastic straps, to avertically disposed substrate, such as an airline tray table that may bebuilt into an airplane seat back.

Further, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizingapparatus that provides secure mounting in a location that is convenientto seat occupants. Moreover, a need exists for a multipurpose storageand organizing apparatus that is adaptable to a variety of vehicleinterior seating configurations.

In addition, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizingapparatus that provides a utility receptacle that may be mounted to anairplane table tray that may be easily accessible to the seat occupant.A need further exists for a multipurpose storage and organizingapparatus that is capable of safely and securely holding frequently usedobjects during a trip, such as food, drink, personal items, andelectronics, without impeding retrieval of such items.

Still further, a need exists for a multipurpose storage and organizingapparatus that provides an airline utility receptacle that may be easilyattached and removed to a vertical substrate, such as an airlinepassenger tray table. Moreover, a need exists for a multipurpose storageand organizing apparatus that may be used on a variety of vehicles, suchas automobiles, trains, airplanes, boats and other like vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multipurpose storage and organizingapparatus. Specifically, the present invention includes a semi-rigidframe that is substantially thin and planar, and an elastic holdingstrap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus may be mountedto a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane tabletray.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention a multipurposestorage and organizing apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: afirst panel and a second panel, and a fold line between the first paneland the second panel, wherein the apparatus has an open configurationand a closed configuration based on the disposition of the first andsecond panels in relation to each other; a first pocket disposed in atleast one of the first panel and the second panel; and an attaching bandconnected to the first panel at a first location and the second panel ata second location, wherein the attaching band is disposable around asubstrate for holding the apparatus thereon.

In an embodiment, the band is elastic.

In an embodiment, the first location is on an end of the first panel.

In an embodiment, the second location is on an end of the second panel.

In an embodiment, the first location is on an end of the first panel,and wherein the second location is on an end of the second panel.

In an embodiment, the first panel comprises a first side and a secondside, wherein the first pocket is disposed in the second side of thefirst panel.

In an embodiment, the second panel comprises a first side and a secondside, wherein a second pocket is disposed in the second side of thesecond panel.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a transparent windowdisposed in the first panel.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 further comprises a connecting elementconnecting a first end of the first panel to a first end of the secondpanel to dispose the apparatus in a folded configuration.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a lead connected tothe apparatus in a looped configuration.

In an embodiment, the band has a length, and further wherein the lengthof the band is adjustable.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprising a plurality ofpockets disposed in the apparatus, such that access to the plurality ofpockets is obtained when the apparatus is disposed in an unfoldedconfiguration.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one itemdisposed within the first pocket.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a substrate, whereinthe band is disposed around the substrate, and the apparatus is held onthe substrate.

In an embodiment, the substrate is an airplane tray table.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second fold line inthe apparatus, wherein the apparatus is folded on both the first foldline and the second fold line when in the closed configuration.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of using amultipurpose storage and organizing apparatus is provided. The methodcomprises the steps of: providing an apparatus comprising a first paneland a second panel, and a fold line between the first panel and thesecond panel, wherein the apparatus has an open configuration and aclosed configuration based on the disposition of the first and secondpanels in relation to each other; a first pocket disposed in at leastone of the first panel and the second panel; and an attaching bandconnected to the first panel at a first location and the second panel ata second location, wherein the attaching band is disposable around asubstrate for holding the apparatus thereon; opening the apparatus toform the open configuration; and placing the band around a verticalsubstrate, thereby disposing the apparatus on the vertical substrate toexpose the at least one pocket for holding an item.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of placing anitem within the first pocket.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a transparent windowin the first panel, and further wherein the method comprises the step ofplacing an item within the transparent window for viewing thereof by anobserver.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a looped lead, andfurther wherein the method comprises the steps of: disposing theapparatus in the closed configuration; and hanging the apparatus aroundthe neck of a user thereof via the looped lead.

It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide amultipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that may be secured, viaone or more elastic straps, to a vertically disposed substrate, such asan airline tray table that may be built into an airplane seat back.

Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide amultipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides securemounting in a location that is convenient to seat occupants.

Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide amultipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that is adaptable to avariety of vehicle interior seating configurations.

In addition, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide amultipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides a utilityreceptacle that may be mounted to an airplane table tray that may beeasily accessible to the seat occupant.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide amultipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that is capable of safelyand securely holding frequently used objects during a trip, such asfood, drink, personal items, and electronics, without impeding retrievalof such items.

Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide amultipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that provides an airlineutility receptacle that may be easily attached and removed to a verticalsubstrate, such as an airline passenger tray table.

Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide amultipurpose storage and organizing apparatus that may be used on avariety of vehicles, such as automobiles, trains, airplanes, boats andother like vehicles.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of thepresently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord withthe present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations.In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similarelements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a planar view of a multipurpose storage andorganizing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a partially open multipurposestorage and organizing apparatus in an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front end planar view of a multipurpose storage andorganizing apparatus disposed on an airplane seat tray table in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a planar view of a folded multipurpose storage andorganizing apparatus showing a see-through window in an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective rear planar view of a multipurposestorage and organizing apparatus in an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a multipurpose storage and organizingapparatus in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an elevated perspective view of a multipurposestorage and organizing apparatus in an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front planar view of a multipurpose storage andorganizing apparatus disposed on a glove box in an automobile in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front planar view of a multipurpose storage andorganizing apparatus disposed on a drawer in an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front planar view of a multipurpose storage andorganizing apparatus disposed on a chair in an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a multipurpose storage and organizingapparatus. Specifically, the present invention includes a semi-rigidframe that is substantially thin and planar, and an elastic holdingstrap. The multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus may be mountedto a vertical substrate, such as, but not limited to, an airplane tabletray, or other like substrate as disclosed below.

Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts,a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus 10 is illustrated, asshown in FIGS. 1-3 in an embodiment of the present invention.Specifically, the apparatus 10 may include a first panel 12 and a secondpanel 14, bifurcated by fold line 16 between the first panel 12 and thesecond panel 14. The first panel 12 and/or the second panel 14 may bemade from a resilient material, such as, for example, plastic and/orfabric. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first panel 12 and the second panel14 may have a reinforcing frame 18 running around perimeters of thefirst panel 12 and the second panel 14 to provide further rigidityand/or strength to the first panel 12 and the second panel 14.

The apparatus 10 may have a connecting element for connecting theapparatus to a vertically disposed substrate, as disclosed below. Theconnecting element may be a strap, hook, clamp, latch fastening system,or any other like device for holding the apparatus 10 to a substrate.Preferably, the connecting element may be a loop of flexible material,such as a strap, belt, rope, band or other element. Moreover, the loopof material may include a detachable clip for disconnecting the loop offlexible material, or an adjustment element for changing the size of theloop of material. In a most preferred embodiment, the fastening systemmay be an elastic band 20. The elastic band 20 may preferably bedisposed between an end 22 of the first panel 12 and an end 24 of thesecond panel 14, although it may be connected to the apparatus and anylocation. The elastic band 20 may preferably attach around a verticallydisposed substrate, as disclosed in more detail below, to hold theapparatus 10 in an open and unfolded configuration to access a pluralityof pockets disposed therein, as disclosed in more detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an attaching clip 26 may be provided forattaching the apparatus 10 to a securing element. For example, theapparatus 10 may be clipped to a belt, a belt loop, or any other elementfor attaching the apparatus to the element. Moreover, the apparatus 10,as illustrated in FIG. 1, may include a closing element 28 that may holdthe first panel 12 in close proximity to the second panel 14, to closethe apparatus 10 via the fold line 16. The closing element 28 mayinclude a male clip portion 30 and a female clip portion 32 that may bedisposed in engaged relationship to hold the first panel 12 to thesecond panel 14, thereby holding the apparatus 10 in the closedconfiguration. In alternate embodiments, the closing element 28 may bezippers, clips, Velcro™, buttons, latches, ties or other such closingelements. The closing element 28 may also be removably attached to theapparatus 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a first clip 34, disposed on a first end ofthe fold line 16, and a second clip 36, disposed on a second end of thefold line 16, may hold a lead 38 that may be utilized by a user to holdthe apparatus 10. Alternatively, the lead may form a loop between thefirst clip 34 and the second clip 36 that may allow a user to use thelead 38 as a lanyard and dispose the apparatus around the user's neckfor secure holding of the apparatus 10. The lead 38 may be adjustable toshorten or lengthen the lead, as desired by the user, and/or may beremovable as desired.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, a transparent window 40 may be disposed inthe apparatus 10, such as in the second panel 14. The transparent window40 may be utilized to hold information that may be viewable from anobserver. For example, a passport may be disposed within a pocket (notshown) in the apparatus allowing the passport to be viewable to anobserver. Alternatively, another identification or a photograph may beheld within the pocket (not shown) so as to be viewable by an observer.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 is illustrated disposed on atray table 42 fixed to the rear of an airplane seat 44. The band 20 maystretch over the generally vertically disposed tray table 42 andgenerally frictionally remain in place. The band 20 may be adjustable toshorten and or lengthen the band 20 to better hold the apparatus 10 inplace, such as when disposed on the tray table 42, or other verticallydisposed substrate.

A plurality of pockets 46 may be disposed in the apparatus 10. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, the plurality of pockets 46 may be disposed on aside of the apparatus opposite to the first panel 12 and second panel14, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The plurality of pockets 46 may be any sizeor configuration to hold one or more items 48 therein, such as a cup orcan of fluid, used as a drink, pencils, pens, markers, papers, books,pamphlets, glasses, electronic devices, or any other item apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art. The apparatus 10 allows the itemsdisposed within the pockets to be accessible to a user when theapparatus 10 is opened and disposed on the vertical substrate, such asthe tray table 42, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus 10 showing the firstpanel 12 and the second panel 14 and the fold line 16, but in the openconfiguration with the items 48 contained therein. The apparatus 10 maycontinue to hold viewable items, such as a passport or otheridentification, or other like item, within the transparent window 40.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate alternate embodiments of the present invention,illustrating differences in sizing and depth. Specifically, FIG. 6illustrates an apparatus 60 that may be relatively shorter in size thanthe apparatus 10, illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1-5. In addition,FIG. 7 illustrates an apparatus 70 having a longer size, and analternate configuration of pockets. Moreover, pockets in the apparatus70 may have a depth allowing larger and thicker items, such as books,electronic devices or other like items, therein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an apparatus 80 disposed on a glove box door 82within an automobile 84, in an embodiment of the present invention.Thus, the apparatus 80 may be disposed within the automobile 84,allowing items useful to occupants of the automobile to be readilyaccessible.

FIG. 9 illustrates an apparatus 90 disposed on a drawer 92, allowingitems useful for a user to be readily accessible. The apparatus 90 maybe held in place with an elastic band (not shown) disposed around thefront surface of the drawer.

FIG. 10 illustrates an apparatus 100 disposed on the back of a chair 102in an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 may be heldin place with an elastic band 101 disposed around the back of the chair102.

Of course, it is contemplated that the present invention may be utilizedattached to any vertically disposed substrate. Illustrated herein arevarious embodiments of the invention attached to a plurality ofexamples, such as an airplane tray table 42, a glove box door 82, adrawer 92, and/or a chair 102. However, it should be noted that thepresent invention may also be used in any vehicle, baby stroller,luggage, wheelchair, office anywhere else apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art. Moreover, the present invention may be used on aperson or on an animal, either in the closed configuration and disposedon the person via a clip or lead, as described herein, or may bedisposed in an open configuration, and attached to the person or animalvia the elastic band, such as around the waist of the person ormidsection of the animal.

Moreover, although only a single fold line 16 is illustrated by theembodiments shown herein, the invention should not be so limited. Thepresent invention also contemplates that there may be two, three or evenmore fold lines for folding the apparatuses described herein and makingeven more compact.

The present invention may be made from any materials apparent to one orordinary skill in the art, including plastics, polyester fabrics,leather, nylon, pvc, cotton, silk, ripcord, neoprene, canvas, nonwovenmaterials, and/or other like materials. Other materials may beincorporated therein, such as decorative items and the like.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its attendant advantages.

I claim:
 1. A multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus comprising:a first panel and a second panel, and a fold line between the firstpanel and the second panel, wherein the apparatus has an openconfiguration and a closed configuration based on the disposition of thefirst and second panels in relation to each other; a first pocketdisposed in at least one of the first panel and the second panel; and anattaching band connected to the first panel at a first location and thesecond panel at a second location, wherein the attaching band isdisposable around a substrate for holding the apparatus thereon.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the band is elastic.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first location is on an end of the first panel. 4.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second location is on an end of thesecond panel.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first location ison an end of the first panel, and wherein the second location is on anend of the second panel.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further wherein thefirst panel comprises a first side and a second side, wherein the firstpocket is disposed in the second side of the first panel.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6 further wherein the second panel comprises a firstside and a second side, wherein a second pocket is disposed in thesecond side of the second panel.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a transparent window disposed in the first panel.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a connecting element connectinga first end of the first panel to a first end of the second panel todispose the apparatus in a folded configuration.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising: a lead connected to the apparatus in alooped configuration.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the band hasa length, and further wherein the length of the band is adjustable. 12.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of pocketsdisposed in the apparatus, such that access to the plurality of pocketsis obtained when the apparatus is disposed in an unfolded configuration.13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: at least one itemdisposed within the first pocket.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a substrate, wherein the band is disposed around thesubstrate, and the apparatus is held on the substrate.
 15. The apparatusof claim 14 wherein the substrate is an airplane tray table.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second fold line in theapparatus, wherein the apparatus is folded on both the first fold lineand the second fold line when in the closed configuration.
 17. A methodof using a multipurpose storage and organizing apparatus comprising thesteps of: providing an apparatus comprising a first panel and a secondpanel, and a fold line between the first panel and the second panel,wherein the apparatus has an open configuration and a closedconfiguration based on the disposition of the first and second panels inrelation to each other; a first pocket disposed in at least one of thefirst panel and the second panel; and an attaching band connected to thefirst panel at a first location and the second panel at a secondlocation, wherein the attaching band is disposable around a substratefor holding the apparatus thereon; opening the apparatus to form theopen configuration; and placing the band around a vertical substrate,thereby disposing the apparatus on the vertical substrate to expose theat least one pocket for holding an item.
 18. The method of claim 17further comprising the step of: placing an item within the first pocket.19. The method of claim 17 wherein the apparatus further comprises atransparent window in the first panel, and further wherein the methodcomprises the step of: placing an item within the transparent window forviewing thereof by an observer.
 20. The method of claim 17 furtherwherein the apparatus further comprises a looped lead, and furtherwherein the method comprises the steps of: disposing the apparatus inthe closed configuration; and hanging the apparatus around the neck of auser thereof via the looped lead.